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Epidemiology, treatment, disposition and outcome of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD presenting to emergency departments in Australia and South East Asia: An AANZDEM study
Author(s) -
Kelly Anne Maree,
Holdgate Anna,
Keijzers Gerben,
Klim Sharon,
Graham Colin A.,
Craig Simon,
Kuan Win Sen,
Jones Peter,
Lawoko Charles,
Laribi Said
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1111/resp.13259
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , emergency department , copd , exacerbation , intensive care unit , emergency medicine , mortality rate , cohort , cohort study , acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , mechanical ventilation , prospective cohort study , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , psychiatry
Background and objective Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a common presentation to emergency departments (ED) but data regarding its epidemiology and outcomes are scarce. We describe the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment and outcome of patients treated for AECOPD in ED. Methods This was a planned sub‐study of patients with an ED diagnosis of AECOPD identified in the Asia, Australia and New Zealand Dyspnoea in Emergency Departments (AANZDEM) study. The AANZDEM was a prospective, interrupted time series cohort study conducted in 46 ED in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia over three 72‐h periods in May, August and October 2014. Primary outcomes were patient epidemiology, clinical features, treatment and outcomes (hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality). Results Forty‐six ED participated. There were 415 patients with an ED primary diagnosis of AECOPD (13.6% of the overall cohort; 95% CI: 12.5–14.9%). Median age was 73 years, 60% males and 65% arrived by ambulance. Ninety‐one percent had an existing COPD diagnosis. Eighty percent of patients received inhaled bronchodilators, 66% received systemic corticosteroids and 57% of those with pH < 7.30 were treated with non‐invasive ventilation (NIV). Seventy‐eight percent of patients were admitted to hospital, 7% to an intensive care unit. In‐hospital mortality was 4% and median LOS was 4 days (95% CI: 2–7). Conclusion Patients treated in ED for AECOPD commonly arrive by ambulance, have a high admission rate and significant in‐hospital mortality. Compliance with evidence‐based treatments in ED is suboptimal affording an opportunity to improve care and potentially outcomes.